Duncan Bay Narrows is a campground for boaters and paddlers.
Duncan Bay Narrows is popular locale for boaters and paddlers in the park.

Duncan Narrows Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Isle Royale National Park typically operates mid-April through early October. The park is scheduled to reopen April 16, 2026 for the 2026 season.

Heavy Freezing Spray Warning issued January 19 at 3:28AM EST until January 20 at 10:00PM EST by NWS Marquette MI

3:28 AM — 3:30 PM

* WHAT...For the Gale Warning, north winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and waves 7 to 12 ft occurring. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, heavy freezing spray at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater occurring, and may rapidly accumulate on vessels. * WHERE...Lake Superior from Upper Entrance to Portage Canal to Manitou Island MI 5NM off shore to the US/Canadian Border. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 1 PM EST this afternoon. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, until 10 PM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Operating a vessel in heavy freezing spray is hazardous. Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability. Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

Gale Warning issued January 19 at 3:28AM EST until January 19 at 1:00PM EST by NWS Marquette MI

3:28 AM — 3:30 PM

* WHAT...For the Gale Warning, north winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and waves 7 to 12 ft occurring. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, heavy freezing spray at a rate of 2 cm per hour or greater occurring, and may rapidly accumulate on vessels. * WHERE...Lake Superior from Upper Entrance to Portage Canal to Manitou Island MI 5NM off shore to the US/Canadian Border. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 1 PM EST this afternoon. For the Heavy Freezing Spray Warning, until 10 PM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Operating a vessel in heavy freezing spray is hazardous. Freezing spray may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Rapid ice accretion on decks and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability. Strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

New Food Storage Guidelines to Reduce Human - Wildlife Interactions

In response to wolves accessing human food and garbage in and around Rock Harbor and campgrounds located on the east end of the island, new food storage guidelines to ensure the safety of visitors and wildlife are in effect.

Malone Bay Campground Shelters Closed Nights of July 29 - August 1, 2025

On these dates, the Malone Bay shelters are reserved for Agaaming Aki tribal summer youth camp. Isle Royale is within the traditional homelands of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The 2 group sites at Malone Bay will remain open.

Duncan Bay Narrows Campground Closed Nights of August 1 - August 5, 2025

On these dates, Duncan Bay Narrows campground will be closed for shelter and privy maintenance.

USCG Navigational Buoys Not in Water Until Mid-June

Boaters: Due to USCG season start-up delays, navigational buoys are not in Lake Superior waters around Isle Royale. Use caution around navigational channels. Buoys are estimated to be put in place by mid-June.

2025 RANGER III Parking Area Construction Notice: Carpool When Possible

Houghton city will be doing construction work that affects the upper, non-gated lot for most of the 2025 summer season. Parking may become limited in the NPS available lots. To help with available parking, when possible, please carpool.

About

Duncan Narrows Campground is located in the narrows of Duncan Bay on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park, one of the most remote wilderness areas in the national park system. Accessible only by canoe, kayak, or private boat, this small campground offers 2 shelters and 3 total campsites on a first-come, first-served basis with a 3-night stay limit from June 1 through Labor Day. The campground provides basic wilderness amenities including composting toilets (seasonal), non-potable water, food storage lockers, and grills. Boats can stay overnight at the dock, which has approximately 6 feet of depth under normal conditions. New food storage guidelines are in effect to reduce human-wildlife interactions, particularly with wolves. The terrain throughout the campground is uneven and rough, and facilities are not accessible. Isle Royale's remote location in the middle of Lake Superior means weather can be unpredictable. Visitors should be prepared for any conditions and note that many mainland services are unavailable on the island. A free overnight camping permit is required, though there is no fee for small-party camping. Quiet hours run from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. EDT (9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. CDT). Pets are not permitted anywhere in the park.

Directions

Duncan Narrows Campground is located in the narrows of Duncan Bay on the northeast end of Isle Royale National Park. Accessible only by canoe, kayak, or private boat.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed No
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email isro_parkinfo@nps.gov
Phone +1 (906) 482-0984

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Photos

Duncan Bay Narrows is a campground for boaters and paddlers.
Duncan Bay Narrows is popular locale for boaters and paddlers in the park.

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